nut free energy balls

Food Friday: Tahini Date Energy Balls

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It’s no secret I love a good snack and energy balls are so handy and so versatile. My snacks are always geared towards a healthy option with a little sweetness depending on the day and these date filled energy balls are perfect for that. You’ll need a food processor for this one. A mini one will work great.

Dates are a good source of fibre, and contain potassium and magnesium. Tahini (aka ground sesame seeds) is a good source of iron, calcium and a few other minerals and is a great alternative to peanut or almond butter if you need a nut free option. Finally cashews a good source of unsaturated fat. So all in all, although these are a little higher in sugar and calories due the dates and cashews, the bite size is a perfect balance.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup dates (soaked in hot water if too dry)

  • 1/2 cup oats

  • 1 cup cashews

  • 1/8-1/4 tsp cardamon

  • 1/8 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

  • 2 tbsp tahini

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • shredded coconut

Directions:

  • Add cashews and oats to your food processor and pulse for a few seconds to break into smaller pieces but not a flour.

  • Add dates and pulse until well processed and combined.

  • Add cardamom, salt, vanilla, tahini and maple syrup and pulse until well combined and starts forming a ball. It should stick together well in your fingers.

  • Form into 1-2 tbsp balls (just smaller than a golf ball) and roll in coconut.

  • Store in freezer. They will last a while there, if they don’t get eaten quickly!

Enjoy!

In health & happiness,

Dr. Karen